Caitlan & Brad

Brad and Caitlan are both Hot Springs natives, so it may not come as a surprise the pair met while she was aboard his father’s houseboat just minutes from Hot Springs in Mountain Harbor. They happily dated for seven years before Brad found the perfect opportunity to propose at a production of Phantom of the Opera in Little Rock in early 2017.

“We walked up the stairs to the top of Robinson Center,” Brad says, “where I had photographers waiting for us. I know Caitlan spotted them peeking around pillars,” he adds. “Once we got to the top, I got on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said ‘yes,’ and then the photographers came out and took our engagement pictures.”

Six months later the pair exchanged vows on a sunny September day at The Vines at Shelly Lane in an intimate ceremony with 90 guests. Their big day was made extra special thanks to a bevy of meaningful touches, including heartfelt nods to grandparents who have passed away, delicious family recipes (Brad’s grandmother made his favorite dessert, her chocolate cake), and wedding day details that were perfected with the help of those closest to them.

Caitlan and Brad knew they wanted an outdoor ceremony and used the natural setting as inspiration for other elements of the celebration, including the invitations.

The couple incorporated an engraved love lock into their ceremony as a symbolic gesture. Love locks lack a key or keyhole, therefore once one is locked, it is forever.

Caitlan loved the idea of a set of doors opening to the ceremony. She found the pair at a flea market and Brad’s stepfather built the frame for them.

A 55 Chevy Bel Air added a punch of fun to the couple’s celebration.

Upon arrival, Polaroid pictures of guests were taken and placed in a book, along with the guest’s note to the couple.